placebo effect

noun

: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used

Examples of placebo effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Sniffing out the power, and limits, of the placebo effect Why isn’t there more research? Jo Morrison and Eric Moore, STAT, 4 Aug. 2024 The whole placebo effect shows that believing in something can change your physiology. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024 These are drugs that can have a noticeable effect on patients without addressing their primary symptoms; it's been shown that active placebos actually have larger placebo effects than inert placebos, which could influence the conclusions of randomized clinical trials. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024 The drinks could be popular due to the placebo effect, experts said. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 9 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for placebo effect 

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of placebo effect was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near placebo effect

Cite this Entry

“Placebo effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/placebo%20effect. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

placebo effect

noun
: improvement in the condition of a patient that occurs in response to treatment but cannot be considered due to the specific treatment used
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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